According to the National Summer Learning Association, “Most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months. Low-income students lose more than two months in reading achievement.” All young people experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. Research spanning 100 years shows that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer.

So, how can smart parents solve this problem without taking all of the fun out of their child’s highly anticipated summer break?

Below are five simple suggestions for activities that are entertaining — and educational — that all parents can work into their child’s schedule.

Get Crafty: Crafts are crucial for the development of critical thinking skills according to the recent article, “How to Increase Higher-Order Thinking” by Alice Thomas, M.Ed. and Glenda Thorne, Ph.D. Benefits include learning to follow directions and steps, a tremendous asset for the youngest students. In addition, the act of making something – whether painting, coloring, or carving — stimulates creativity. Alternative thinking skills are also enhanced when using household items and recyclables in new and unique ways. From simple bottle cap snakes, to complex model rocket building, crafting also instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in children of all ages. Often these “works of art” are kept for decades and bring back pleasant memories.

Kiss the Cook: A winning idea for kids of all ages! Get children involved in food preparation from every aspect — choosing items at the grocery store, actual food preparation, and the all-important presentation. If parents have a garden, that’s even better (pots of tomatoes and herbs on the patio count)! Learning where food comes from is a mini-science lesson, food prep involves measuring, math, temperatures and time, and food presentation is a wonderful outlet for creativity.

Game on! Educational games can be fun! Linda Rodgers, author of “Board Games That Increase Brain Power,” from Parenting magazine says, “…board games can boost a slew of skills that help kids do better in school.” Educators frequently use brain games in the classroom including language games such as Apples to Apples, Scrabble and You’ve been Sentenced! Strategy games such as Blokus, Othello and Stratego are also a boon. Plus, don’t forget old standbys you may already have in your “games closet” such as Chess, Checkers, Pentago, Risk, and Mastermind, or Sudoku 5×5.

Career Day Why wait for “Bring Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day?” Bring your child into work (if possible) to see what a typical “day at the office” looks like. Depending on the age of the child, let them help with simple tasks such as filing, photocopying, or faxing. Have a friend with a completely different career? Switch kids so that they can experience the difference between working in an accountant’s office versus a veterinary clinic. This experience is a real eye-opener for middle school and high school kids!

Read, Read… READ! Depending on the school they attend, some children will have required summer reading to complete before returning to school. However, some do not. In fact, educators often lament that they find some children who have read nothing at all over the entire summer break! To encourage reading, enroll in a public library Summer Reading Program which rewards reading with prizes and activities. Or create your own program at home. Choose books which are just slightly ahead of your child’s abilities, but not so difficult that they become frustrated. A more extensive vocabulary and improved reading comprehension will serve your child well when September arrives.

A few other suggestions include:

sidewalk chalk art

shell or rock collecting and identification

nature walks (look up flora and fauna on your smart phone that are unfamiliar)

bird feeding, watching and identification

learning to read a map (good on vacations)

bug and butterfly collecting and identification

make a movie

build something (from a birdhouse to a garden shed, depending on age and ability)

try geocaching

Whichever educational activities you choose to try together, remember to have fun. It is summer vacation, after all!

In addition to the ideas above, Back to Basics Learning Dynamics has a full range of educational summer options just right for your student! These educational camps, mini camps and summer workshops just right for your K-8th grade student. See our latest summer offerings below. Or, click Summer Options for a complete list by age category including exceptional summer workshops for teens.

K-8th EDUCATIONAL SUMMER OPTIONS

Art Instruction (K – 8th)
Whether you want to learn the elements of drawing with shading and form, or create new hands-on masterpieces, we can design your program!

Math Counts camps (K-1st, 2nd – 3rd, 4th-5th)
In this 5 week small group math skills program our experienced instructors will provide strategies to strengthen your child’s basic math skills as well as focus on exploring problem-solving strategies, mental math training and logical reasoning. Students will work independently and within the small group to improve mathematical awareness through a variety of text and online materials.

$299 with $20 materials fee for 15 hours of instruction
5 week program runs July 9 through August 10

Grades K-1 Mon/Wed 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Grades 2-3 Mon/Wed 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Grades 4-5 Mon/Wed 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Math Counts camps (6th – 7th)
In this 5 week small group math skills program our experienced instructors will provide strategies to strengthen and expand your child’s math knowledge by reviewing basic math problems and introducing material for pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry. Students will also explore problem-solving topics and mathematical reasoning.

Math Reinforcement and Enrichment, 1-on-1 (K – 8th)
Summer is the perfect time to build and strengthen mathematics skills for the upcoming school year. Students will work 1-on-1 with an experienced instructor to review and learn concepts and create fun ways to remember them. Each session is tailored to the individual child to meet his or her needs, interests, level of background knowledge and learning style. Previous school years’ material will be reinforced during these interactive sessions, with an eye looking ahead as well. Available at your home, day camp, or in our Newark or Wilmington locations.

Music (K – 8th)
Beginner and experienced players are able to continue their love of music at our center.

Read to Succeed! camps (K-1st, 2nd – 3rd, 4th-5th)
In this 5 week small group reading skills program our experienced instructors will provide strategies to strengthen your child’s phonemic awareness and word attack skills. Students will work independently and within the small group to improve comprehension and fluency through a variety of text and online materials.

$299 with $20 materials fee for 15 hours of instruction
5 week program runs July 9 through August 10

Grades K-1 Tues/Thurs 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Grades 2-3 Tues/Thurs 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Grades 4-5 Tues/Thurs 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Read to Succeed! camps (6th – 7th)
In this 5 week small group reading skills program our experienced instructors will provide strategies to strengthen your child’s knowledge of literary terms, comprehension, and fluency through a variety of text and online materials. Students will also delve into more specific reading and studying strategies for textbook and other non-fiction pieces of literature

Reading Reinforcement and Enrichment, 1-on-1 (K-8th)
Our experienced instructors will work 1-on-1 with your student to read, comprehend, retain and
apply summer reading material. These sessions will provide students with the knowledge and confidence to complete any required reading-related assignments, such as reports, projects and tests. Available at your home, day camp, or in our Newark or Wilmington locations.

Summer School, 1-on-1 (K – 8th)
Build skills and confidence by completing summer school requirements in a 1-on-1 environment geared to each student’s specific needs. Available at your home, day camp, daycare, or in our Newark or Wilmington locations.

Smartphone Snaps: Photography Camp (6th – 8th)
Want to take awesome pictures using just your smart phone or tablet? Learn techniques and tips for taking better photographs by exploring the principles of composition, light, and fun effects. This camp includes walking field trips to the Brandywine River and Zoo.